AMI to organise a seminar on GDPR Compliance in Dublin

Asset Management Ireland Ltd (AMI), Ireland’s leading secure IT retirement company, will host a free seminar on GDPR. AMI tells us more about the event.

When and where is it on?

GDPR Compliance – The Final Countdown, will be held on Thursday, November 23rd, 2017, in the Fitzwilliam Hotel, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. The event is a breakfast briefing, and will run from 07.30 to 09.30. Refreshments will be provided on the day.

How many years has it been going?

This is the first year of AMI’s event, and it is open to business and IT professionals eager to identify their obligations in the face of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation.

What was the inspiration to start it?

GDPR is set to come into force on 25th May 2018, and will have a dramatic effect on how organisations collect and process data. As well as this, companies will have to place renewed focus on ensuring the secure disposal of end of life IT equipment, to prevent sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Failure to demonstrate compliance could see companies exposed to fines of up to 4% of global turnover or €20M, depending on which is greater.

Despite this, many companies remain unaware of their obligations when it comes to achieving compliance to the legislation. AMI’s event will aim to guide attendees through the legal requirements of GDPR and highlight the steps that they need to take to avoid significant fines.

What exciting things can people look forward to for the 2017 version?

Earlier this year, AMI carried out a survey in association with TechPro magazine, which sought to identify the potential blind-spots in Irish organisations’ information security strategies in advance of GDPR. The results reveal some fascinating findings, which will be presented at the event. Event attendees will also receive a copy of AMI’s whitepaper presenting the results, which is being launched at the event.

What opportunities are on offer for those attending?

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior IT decision-makers and GDPR experts, and gain valuable insights into how to prepare for incoming GDPR legislation.

Who will be speaking?

A number of industry experts will guide attendees through the legal requirements of GDPR and highlight the steps that they need to take to avoid significant fines. Firstly, Pearse Ryan, partner at Arthur Cox solicitors, will instruct attendees on their legal obligations under GDPR, and highlight the steps that they need to take to work towards compliance. Pearse specialises in the areas of information technology (including IT disputes), sourcing, outsourcing, cyber-security, computer security/fraud, e-commerce and intellectual property (with an emphasis on IT related matters), making him ideally placed to provide an overview of the legal aspects of the incoming legislation. 

Steve Mellings, CEO of the Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance, will also speak at the event. He will focus on helping companies to understand their relationship with their data processor, i.e. the company responsible for processing their data. Understanding this relationship is a crucial element of GDPR. Steve has over 15 years’ experience in asset retirement working with industry, global manufacturers and personally helping to write and implement asset disposal policies for some of the largest organisations in the world.

Finally, Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro Magazine, will be on hand to present the results of the recent survey carried out by TechPro in association with AMI. Coming from a development and security background, Paul has broad experience of enterprise IT and will also host the event.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

As the event will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain insights from leading industry experts, people are encouraged to consider the areas of GDPR that they are not completely clear on and use the session to learn as much as possible about their obligations under the regulation. This is a great opportunity for people to identify the particular steps that they need to take under GDPR, and one that should not be passed up.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

Attendance is free, and those interested in attending can register at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/gdpr-seminar-registration-38386541178. Space is limited and so, in order to be guaranteed a place, interested parties are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

GDPR is a complex piece of legislation, and compliance is not optional. Any organisation seeking additional clarity on the particular requirements of the legislation should take advantage of this opportunity to learn more and safeguard the future of their business.

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